PCB prepares contingency plan amid uncertainty over Multan Sultans’ ownership

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly made an alternative plan regarding the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans, in the wake of growing uncertainty over the team’s ownership situation, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday. 

According to sources, if the current franchise membership has been terminated, the PCB plans to finalize a new owner at the earliest to ensure the team’s continuity in the league.

Several potential investors have already expressed their interest in acquiring the Multan Sultans franchise and are in contact with the PCB regarding a possible purchase, the sources added. 

Insiders disclosed that the relationship between the PCB and the current Multan Sultans management has deteriorated in recent weeks due to unresolved issues.

 As a result, the board is considering selling the franchise if matters are not settled amicably.

The PCB, however, is reportedly exercising caution and does not intend to take any action that could damage the credibility or valuation of the PSL, especially as the league approaches a critical phase in its commercial evaluation process.

Sources further confirmed that the PCB issued a legal notice to the Multan Sultans management earlier this week over an alleged violation of the code of conduct.

The PCB also recently sent a legal notice to Tareen, demanding a public apology for his critical comments about the league.

PCB said that the notice outlined multiple alleged breaches of the PSL franchise agreement and warned of severe consequences, including termination of the franchise’s contract and a lifetime ban for Tareen, should he fail to comply.

However, Ali Tareen responded with a roasting apology.

In a widely shared video posted on his social media, Tareen responded to the PCB’s legal notice with a sarcastic apology that turned the tables on the board.

He mocked the PCB’s approach to handling criticism and outlined several of the league’s issues in his signature tongue-in-cheek style.

“I’m sorry for expecting the PSL opening ceremony to start on time or for thinking microphones should actually work,” Tareen quipped. He also joked about being late to a Zoom meeting, one of the charges in the PCB’s notice, before launching into a critique of the PSL’s logistics and management.

Tareen’s video ended with him tearing up the legal notice, signing off with the line, “I hope you like my apology video.”

Ali Khan Tareen, son of industrialist and former member of the National Assembly, Jahangir Khan Tareen, acquired Multan Sultans in December 2018 after the previous owners, Schon Properties, failed to pay the franchise fee. Tareen, alongside his uncle Alamgir Tareen, took over the franchise, and following Alamgir’s tragic passing in May 2025, Ali became the sole owner.